- Joined
- Jan 5, 2009
- Messages
- 30,987
- Reaction score
- 1,249
Positives
Negatives
Overall Assessment
- The Miami Dolphins made the playoffs. It was the first time since 2008. After years of starving coupled with a few close calls, the Dolphins made the playoffs.
- Winning ten games.
- 6-2 in the re-done Hard Rock Stadium. A solid 4-4 on the road. Biggest improvement record-wise: 4-2 in the division. Have a winning record in the division and you will consistently be competing for playoff spots.
- Along those lines, they finished the season strong. They earned their way into the tournament by winning down the stretch, on the road and in the cold.
- As important as it was to make the playoffs, something more important is happening. A “culture” has been and continues to be created. It was something I argued for years needed to happen in Miami. Adam Gase has brought that to the franchise. This team now has vision and a philosophy of how they want to go about trying to win football games.
- Ryan Tannehill. Make no mistake. This was a huge season for Tannehill. It did not start out well for him. However, with the support of his coach, a healthier line and a certain RB, Tannehill flipped the switch and was outstanding. A 93.5 QB Rating, 7.7 YPA, 67.1 Completion % and 2,995 yards. He showed his toughness time and again. RT threw some balls on the run and off-balance with pinpoint accuracy. His improvement in the 4th quarter was off the charts. He made money throw after money throw. The game versus the Rams he simply put the offense on his back and snatched a game from defeat. It was a shame that he was not able to start all 16 games. However, Ryan Tannehill did get his team to the postseason. He is the guy that the franchise should continue to grow with. In fact, I might argue the “clock” on RT should start now and his previous seasons be graded as an incomplete. He was so mismanaged by Joe Philbin and his staff. Between no audibles, to poor receiver fits, to not supporting him publically, to not committing to a running game, to committing to Dallas Thomas each, to switching the offensive systems he was in, it is actually amazing how well Tannehill played under Philbin. While there might not be patience with some, I am interested to seeing where RT can be in three to four years. Finally, think of some of these teams that in the wilderness this offseason looking for a QB. I feel pretty good that Ryan Tannehill is projected to be under center for the Dolphins going forward.
- Jay Ajayi. What a find. Seemingly, out of nowhere, Ajayi busted onto the scene and he (along with the O-line) turned this season around. He ran like a diesel. 1,272 yards for a 4.9 per carry average. He had 8 TD’s. He showed well out of the backfield. At times, Ajayi could not be stopped. By some accounts, he led the league with yards after contact and broken tackles. Ajayi is a franchise back right now.
- 11 Personnel. The trio of Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker was awesome and still have room to grow. This is a strength of the team. Landry was tremendous and tough (1,136, 94 catches and 4TD). The “light came on” for Stills under the new coaching staff. Awesome to see him respond after dropping a would-be TD on opening day. Stills had 726 yards for a 17.3 average and 9 TD’s. Parker had some moments that shows he could be dynamic receiving presences that other teams would have revolve their gameplan around. Parker had 744 yards on 56 catches and 4 TD’s. Many times receivers breakout in year three...he will interesting in 2017.
- After Jordan Cameron went down, people were down on the TE group. All the TE group did was play well when called upon. They blocked great in the running game and made catches when their number was called. Quietly, this group was huge in getting this team to the playoffs.
- The offensive line improved this year. The addition of Laremy Tunsil was a big part of that. Unfortunately, they had many health issues. I am stuck with the thought of “what could have been” if all the members of the line were healthy all year. That said they helped in the running game (averaged 4.5 yards per rush) and only yielded 30 sacks...a huge drop from past years. The team was smart to start Tunsil at LG and not flip him to the right side or push Albert out of LT. Tunsil’s time at LT is coming, but it was smart as rookie to put him next a mentor like B.A.
- Matt Moore. His play as a quality backup and work as a “relief pitcher” was huge. He played solid football. He gave the team exactly what they needed. Yes, there were some untimely turnovers, but he kept a strong level of play at the game’s most important position. He was calm and steady presence for the team. I, for one, am happy he is a Miami Dolphin. A solid pro that should be respected now and years from now.
- Benching Anthony Steen for Kraig Ubrik.
- Cameron Wake made the playoffs. As a fan, I always felt bad Wake never made it to the playoffs. Now he has. While the stay was short, he made it. Maybe in the years he has left, the team can get to a point where he can showcase his talents on the big stage.
- Ndamukong Suh. Suh was dominating this year. Plus, the number of snaps he plays is incredible. His tackle on Colin Kaepernick was huge in the grand scheme of things. Criticism of him is simply piling on. Criticism of his contract simply shows people not doing the necessary homework when looking at future seasons regarding the Fins’ salary cap. Great player that is part of the solution on defense.
- Kiko Alonso. 115 tackles. Made some huge plays. The pick in SD was one the biggest game changing plays in recent Dolphins history made by a defender. His leveling of Kaepernick was another big play. Again, good player that is part of the solution on defense.
- Special teams. This team made plays in the kicking game and covered kicks and punts tremendously. Matt Darr punted well. People question the depth of the roster and I agree areas can improve, but when the special teams played as well as they did for Miami, the roster had more talent than given credit for.
- The adversity this team overcame. There are too many examples to list. There were injuries, blowout losses and moments in games that could have sunk many teams. The Dolphins fought threw them. I think of Matt Darr dropping a snap and the team overcoming the Jets late in that game. Or when Jakeem Grant muffed a punt versus San Diego, yet the defense came up an interception in the end zone. Or Buffalo scoring late on Christmas Eve and the offense rallied after big kick return by Kenyan Drake and Andrew Franks drilled a long field goal to tie it. It was truly an amazing part of this team and demonstrates the character of the players and the belief system fostered by the new coaching staff.
- The Jarvis Landry TD in Los Angeles in which teammates helped push him into the end zone represented how hard this team would play for each other. One of the coolest plays in many years for the Dolphins.
- Some important stats that showed why this team won 10 games. Plus 2 Turnover Differential. 36.2 third down defense. 7.8 yards per pass attempt on offense. 4.5 yards per rush. Tannehill was the highest rated QB in the Red Zone before he was hurt.
- Cutting Dallas Thomas
- Time to give the front office credit. First of all, the trade with the Eagles was a winner for both teams. The Dolphins netted two productive starters in Alonso and Maxwell. Plus, the move down in the draft worked for Miami in that Tunsil fell. Was that “luck”? Maybe, but this team is due for some luck for a few years. The draft produced players that helped through the season. Finally, the team has great cap flexibility going forward. What is most important (and another Hayden Fox rant) is that it seems the coaching staff, scouting and front office are working with the same vision/philosophy. The more this group is allowed to work and grow together, it will only improve.
- Signing Andre Branch and Isa Abdul-Quddus
- The coaching staff did a tremendous job with scheming and development. It was obvious to any observer that the roster was not complete and was a multiyear project. Plus they were struck with bad injuries to key players. Yet, the staff found ways to get productivity out of young, inexperienced players. Lou Anarumo, Daronte Jones and Vance Joseph deserve praise for the work they did with the DB’s. The injuries proved to be too hard to overcome in the end, but they took a situation that everyone feared at the start of the year and found ways to prevent big plays and compete in the backend.
- Praise Vance Joseph for possibly getting a head coaching job. Some defensive stats were ugly, but the defense during the win streak got big plays and were outstanding on 3rd down.
- How brilliant of Gase to bring in Matt Burke knowing that Joseph would very well leave for a head coaching job? This is a smart hire. Burke is qualified and there will be continuity with the same system in place. The issue with the defense was not system or play calling...it is personnel. The team knew more talent was needed and that is what this offseason is going to be about. Burke will have more successful statistically next year than Joseph. It will be for three reasons: 1) year two for the players in the system 2) Reshad Jones returning 3) the systematic upgrade in talent that is coming this spring.
- What a job by Adam Gase and his coaching staff. This franchise has a head coach that “gets it”. He is the biggest asset going forward. This is a “coach-centric” team now. This team is not about one player carrying the team. It is about coaching and team play. Gase shows some awesome traits. I am so impressed if listen closely how much Gase tries to learn from others. He seems to find what others have done to be successful in sports and life and cherrypick things to help his coaching. Whether it is what he learned from a Nick Saban, a Mike Martz or a Peyton Manning, he seems to always trying to learn. By the way, how impressive is it that at such a young age he and Manning challenged each other intellectually about the game. The idea that a great like Manning respected Gase enough to visit him in the offseason and training camp tells you something. I love that Gase freely admitted he wanted to build something like the New England Patriots have. His ability to challenge players will make this team better. His handling of Ajayi and Parker made them better players. There is no way that Ajayi and Parker improve like they did this year under previous coaches. Gase was tough, but more importantly, built positive relationships with players. Yes, he is no nonsense, but he has built a culture of respect between the coaches and players. The way that Gase backed Tannehill kind of gives me chills looking back. He always had RT’s back when fans, media and talking heads were ready to jettison the QB. Gase always showed to be great at coming up with schemes and adjusting to his personnel. Gase probably did not think he was going to transition to a run first, smash-mouth team. Yet, when the team had success with it, he stuck with it and it became the team’s identity. That is a mark of great coaching. Finally, I loved how he truly had high goals. He was not all giddy after his first NFL win versus Cleveland or he was not doing cartwheels after the big win in Buffalo. Folks, this guy gets it and is the best thing going for the Miami Dolphins.
- The improvements to Hard Rock Stadium. I had the privilege to come to South Florida for the Buffalo game. The stadium’s facelift was unreal. There was a great atmosphere and as this team continues to progress HRS can become a home field advantage for the team. Between the sound reverberating from the roof, the heat and humidity, the place can become a difference maker. The key: play winning football.
- Joe Schad was a very solid addition to the Dolphins beat. Solid, insightful writer.
Negatives
- Giving up 30 plus points 4 times in the last six games.
- Yielding 4.8 per rush for a tune of 2,247 yards
- The offense was only 36.7 on third down
- Tannehill’s knee injury: I got into a debate two years ago here regarding an “ACL sprain”. The ACL is torn. It does not heal on its own. I am not comfortable with this going forward. So many players to try to “play through the ‘slight’ ACL sprain” and end up needing to be cut on. I think he should have the surgery. He has a strong chance to be ready for the season if he had surgery now (or a month ago). If he is not, the team just proved it can win games and be productive with Moore. I am uneasy knowing the brace on his knee and scar tissue is what is keeping him in one piece going forward.
- Mike Pouncey’s hip injury. Just a huge loss. He is a complete center and leader of this team. He is a difference maker and the lynchpin for a consistent running game.
- Jones injury. He was playing so well. I was shocked how well the team overcame his injury, but make no mistake, he will be a major addition when he returns next year.
- Mario Williams. I thought this was a good move. I was wrong. I thought we would be able to take the stats of Williams and compare them to the stats (and money) of Olivier Vernon, but that went nowhere. Bust signing. Comparing Branch’s numbers to O.V.’s is a better debate.
- The LB’s. Alonso was solid, but there is was not much happening with this group. I do think there is some depth-like players there. Neville Hewitt and Mike Hull can be important special teamers that could develop into backups. However, Jelani Jenkins and Koa Misi were injured and typically ineffective. Donald Butler was a nice attempt, but did nothing but have poor run fits. Spencer Paysinger is another depth guy that gets exposed upon too many snaps...nice special teams player, but not starting material.
- Jordan Cameron. I loved this pickup when Charles Clay went to Buffalo. I was completely wrong. Terrible blocking and surprisingly, he could not catch the ball. The player is a shell of himself. The irony is him leaving the lineup forced better run blockers into the mix.
- Leonte Carroo. I am on record for supporting the controversial trade last spring. However, it was completely disappointing that he did not develop enough and contribute to special teams to even be active down the stretch. I look at the needs on defense this coming offseason and another two picks in the middle of the draft could have been very helpful. If Stills is re-signed, which I would support, the trade now makes little sense.
Overall Assessment
- How much fun was this season? The winning streak. The huge plays. The steady improvement. Making the playoffs. So much fun. I am excited simply because this team has a foundation to build on. The Miami Dolphins have a head coach that is a leader and gives the team an intellectual advantage on Sunday. In addition, for the first time in many years, the front office/scouting is synced with the coaching staff. Who knows what happens next year. The bottom line is Miami is giving themselves the best chance to succeed going forward because of who is leading the team and the shared philosophy.
- Make no mistake about this...Tannehill deserves the distinction of “getting his team to the playoffs”.
- This offseason I would love to see the focus be the team trying to re-sign and reward those players that have “bought in” and bled for the current regime. It will create more positive momentum for the culture being built. Sign them even if it is slightly above market value. Get Dion Sims back. Work to sign Andre Branch. Make Kenny Stills a priority. Pre-draft, lock up Jarvis Landry and Reshad Jones. Show the roster that if you lay it on the line and are productive, the team will value your work.
- Keeping the 11 Personnel set of Landry, Parker and Stills together is important. They are a strength of the team and a personnel grouping that the AFC East is long ways away from being able to defend. If at all possible, do not start over with another receiver in Stills’ place. Keep the continuity and strength together.
- The one area I would attack in the first hours of free agency is Right Guard. There are some nice players out there that should be available come early March. I would love for the team to see them sign Brian Winters of the Jets. He is coming of a shoulder issue, but he has been game whenever matching up against Miami. He will be 26 by training camp and would take a good young player from the Jets. Larry Warford is another guard that the team should consider. Miami should continue to invest in the line. It was obvious that Tannehill could be a top ten QB when given ample time to throw. When Ajayi was given holes to run through he destroyed LB’s and DB’s one on one.
- Branden Albert should come back for one more year. Following the 2017 season, I would jettison him. Some advocate cutting him now. Bad move. Miami should be in the mode of adding talent, not subtracting. Play Albert at LT and Tunsil at LG. Allow Tunsil to be mentored for one more year before moving him to LT. If Albert is injured this season, which has been too common for him unfortunately, Tunsil should be moved to LT. A Tunsil move to LT in 2018 would allow him three years at LT before his rookie contract expires. A line of Albert, Tunsil, Pouncey, Winters or Warford and James will be tough on opponents.
- The team needs to blow up the starting LB corp outside of Alonso. In the draft or via trades, it is time for physical, athletic LB’s. The run defense has been deplorable for years. I understand when Vance Joseph says points come out of explosive passing plays. However, this defense was giving up explosive runs down the stretch. Giving up close to five yards a rush is simply gross. Moving Alosno to WLB needs to be another consideration.
- If I was able to bring back Sims, Stills and Branch and sign a RG, I would make my draft completely about the defense. DE is a major need (in a deep draft of D-ends). DE is as much of a need as LB is right now in some respects. Find those needed LB’s. Look at another long CB. A nickel back should be considered to compete with Bobby McCain. Draft for value and become more athletic on the defensive side of the ball. In the end, continue the steady progress of adding young talent that can be developed.
- Another year of continuity should help the team develop depth. I disagree that the 2016 team was “paper-thin” depth-wise. Any team that has a run of injuries at a position becomes exposed. However, another year of the players in the same system and another FA period followed by the draft should reinforcem some depth on the team.
- I am a Jordan Phillips backer. He can play. He needs to be more consistent. Some of his plays fly off the screen. I think in year three, he shines.
- I also think that this team should allow Gase a veteran QB to work with that is on the scrapheap later on in free agency. A Geno Smith, Case Keenum or Ryan Nassib could be signed as a number three to compete in training camp. Perhaps Gase can bring something out of them going forward and the team could hold on to them for two reasons...One, I am uneasy about Tannehill’s health going forward. If he is to miss time, Moore is the guy. The question would be to me, “who is Moore’s backup?”. I am not ready to give that position to Brandon Doughty without a training camp fight against a veteran. Secondly, perhaps this 3rd stringer could be coached up to be the next Matt Moore for 2018. Maybe the experiment fails...or maybe they catch lightning in a bottle. Allow Gase to collect QB’s.
- I want to continue to build a team that plays “blue collar” football. Run the ball, make explosive plays off of play action, play strong defense and make a few plays in the kicking game. I want the type of team can wear down teams in the early season in the South Florida humidity while also is portable when traveling to the Northeast in December and January. The easiest way to find success is to try to build a top ten defense, be able to run the ball, have a QB that takes care of the ball and keeps the offense on schedule.
- While the score versus the Patriots looks ugly in Week 17, I am optimistic. In a game in which Miami was missing some key players, the team was close to cutting the score to six points before a bad fumble. I see Miami closing the gap with the Patriots. New England’s head coach and best players are aging. Miami’s core group for the most part are in their early to mid-twenties. The head coach is young. Miam needs to simply continue to add good football players and methodically improve. In the end, they will be factors to win this division in short amount of time.
*** Congrats on the 2016 season! Folks, your team is different now. They get it. They will factor in over the next few years. It will be a process, but it will happen. Fins up!
